Obama Center Groundbreaking Today
Former President Barack and former First Lady Michelle Obama are in town today to kick off the official start of the construction of the Obama Presidential Center. Planned for a Grand Opening in 2025, today's event is a ceremony representing the "first shovel of dirt" going into the Earth as the official start to the Center's creation. You can watch the groundbreaking ceremony at 1:15pm today on Obama's website here.
Read full storyThe Chicago Marathon is Here!
The 43rd running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is ready and set to resume in just a couple weeks' time. Held every October in Chicago, this marathon is considered one of the world's major six World Marathon Majors (WMM) coming in as the forth-largest race in the world. (The other five high-profile races can be found in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin and New York.) Originally, a six star finisher was someone that has completed all 6 of the World Marathon Majors. In 2018, a "Reach for the Stars" campaign launched so runners would receive a star for every WMM race completed. As of April 2018, there is a total of only 3,786 Six Star Finishers in the world.
Read full storyWelcome to Honeybear Cafe!
Chicago is known for its cold weather, urban sprawl, architecture, and violence. It seems when visitors come from out of town any one of these categories is well known to them before they even arrive. Many don't travel to Chicago for another area the city shines: it's food. There are countless places to eat from famous chains all over the country but the real gems are the locally owned, favored neighborhood spots. I'll write about these places as I visit some of my favorite spots to dine with other locals.
Read full storyRed-Line Upgrades to Chicago
The Chicago Red Line is one of the most popular modes of transportation in the center. It connects the very northern tip of Chicago with it's southern neighbors and runs 24 hours a day. It is currently under construction for several upgrades collectively known as the CTA Red Ahead Program. Over the span of several years, this program will enhance the entire Red Line by way of laying new track and upgrading several existing stations.
Read full storyA Wave to Chicago's Flag
In today's common knowledge, many assume vexillology is merely "the study of flags." In a very broad and general sense, this is true. Deeper than that, the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA) defines the word as a "scientific study of the history, symbolism, and usage of flags." The rules of flag design are easy to remember:
Read full storyWhat's in a Name?
Ever wonder why Chicago is known as The Windy City? It's a debate that reaches back into the rich history of the city and has resulted in a debate you might hear locals discussing during your time here.
Read full storyAn Unexpected Getaway
Chicago is the United States' third largest city with a population of nearly 3 million. The larger Cook County is the second-most-populous county (right behind Los Angeles County) with over 5 million people. Geographically, Chicago spans more than 25 miles from north to south and 15 miles east to west, boasting 200 neighborhoods and two airports. To say Chicago can feel a bit crowded at times is quite an understatement!
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